Craig Drumheller evaluated 21 options for improving the house’s energy efficiency. He picked the 12 retrofits listed below, mostly because they will pay for themselves within seven years. If the NAHB Research Center forecast is right, this 12-point energy retrofit package will cut annual energy expenses for the Nevada house from $1,429 down to $790, a savings of 44 percent.
System/ProductTotal Cost
Energy Efficiency
Material
Labor
Premium
Annual Savings
Simple Payback (Years)
1. Radiant barrier*
Advanced Foil Systems, Aluma-Foil Plus Aluminum foil sheet in attic deflects radiant energy.
$ 250
$ 450
$ 700
$ 40
17.5
2. CFC-free HVAC system* Carrier, 48GP with Puron Single-unit heating and air-conditioning system, roof mounted. Cooling load is reduced by a half ton; smaller unit replaces old system.
$ 2130
$ 1625**
$ 745**
$ 120
5.9
3. Programmable thermostat* Honeywell, T8112 Thermostat programmed for 5-degree set-up in summer when house is empty, and 5-degree set-back in winter when house is empty or occupants are sleeping.
$ 50
$ 30
$ 80
$ 64
1.3
4. Super-efficient refrigerator* KitchenAid KSRE25FHQ High-efficiency unit with more storage volume than
old model and 37% lower energy consumption.
$ 900
$ 0
$ 100**
$ 32
3.1
5. White LED light*
Holly Solar AC36 Long-life bulb for exterior entry light uses 10 % of the energy of incandescent bulb.
$ 65
$ 0
$ 65
$ 10
6.4
6. Efficient clothes washer Whirlpool Resource Saver Washer uses cooler water; rinses with 6-gallon spray rinse, compared with 25-gallon deep fill rinse.
$ 600
$ 0
$ 200**
$ 30
6.7
7. Compact fluorescent lights
8 Lights of America CFLs, 15 to 23 watts. Each unit should last 10 times longer and use 1/4 the energy of standard incandescent lights.
$ 60
$ 0
$ 60
$ 25
2.2
8.Replacement windows
WeatherShield, Visions 2000 Vinyl frame windows and sliding door with low-E coating, improving
U-value from 0.85 to 0.32.
$ 2930
$ 600
$ 400**
$ 157
5.2
9. Duct insulation R-6 fiberglass wrap Insulation of bare duct in attic.
$ 30
$ 70
$ 100
$ 40
2.5
10. Attic insulation R-19 blown-in fiberglass Attic insulation upgraded to R-38.
$ 280
$ 70
$ 350
$ 65
5.4
11. Air infiltration reduction Generic Leaks caulked, large openings closed with foam sealant, weatherstripping installed
on two doors, outlet gaskets installed on exterior outlets. Air infiltration improved by 35%.
$ 40
$ 210
$ 250
$ 20
12.5
12. Humidity-sensor
gas clothes dryer Whirlpool LGW8858HQ Gas dryer will cost 66% less to operate than electric
units; moisture sensor prevents continued operation once clothes are dry.
$ 450
$ 0
$ 100**
$ 30
3.3
Totals
$ 3,150
$ 633
* PATH Technology
** cost of energy-efficiency upgrade vs. full cost of new system
***
labor covers new electronic disconnect box, electrostatic air filter, new electrical on roof to unit, sheet metal transition and new gas piping on roof
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